Saved by the Bell: The College Years

Synopsis

Saved by the Bell: The College Years is a continuation of the original Saved by the Bell series. Premiering in 1993, the show captures the lives of Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) and his friends as they transition from high school to the University of California, a fictional college where they face new challenges, friendships, and romances. Alongside Zack are familiar faces such as A.C. Slater (Mario Lopez), Kelly Kapowski (Tiffani-Amber Thiessen), and new characters like Leslie Burke (Anne Tremko). The series explores themes of young adulthood, academic pressures, and the quest for true identity while maintaining the light-hearted humor that made the original series beloved by fans.

Cast

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  Mark-Paul Gosselaar

  Zack Morris

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  Mario López

  A.C. Slater

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  Dustin Diamond

  Samuel 'Screech' Powers

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  Anne Tremko

  Leslie Burke

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  Kiersten Warren

  Alex Tabor

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  Bob Golic

  Michael Rogers

Reviews

Saved by the Bell: The College Years offers a nostalgic trip for fans of the original series, though it received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the show has a divided reception with some appreciating the continuity of Zack and his friends' antics, while others found it lacking compared to the unassuming charm of the high school years. IMDb users rate it a 6.3/10, indicating an average viewing experience. The New York Times criticized the show for failing to evolve the characters meaningfully: 'The cast is the same, but the antics feel forced and less genuine.’ However, Entertainment Weekly granted it a more favorable view, calling it 'a breezy, enjoyable extension of its predecessor,' and highlighted the chemistry among the cast as its redeeming trait. Viewers also similarly pointed out inconsistencies in character development but appreciated the familiar comedic elements and the nostalgic appeal.